The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is deepening its partnership with Transparency International (TI) as part of efforts to raise standards in governance, integrity and accountability both domestically and internationally. The strategic alliance was reaffirmed during a recent meeting at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, where Transparency International chair François Valerian called on MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman.

Datuk Azmi underscored MACC's resolve to expand collaborative initiatives that strengthen the nation's integrity framework. The commission views this partnership as instrumental in promoting good governance and transparency across multiple sectors. Both organisations recognised the importance of working together to identify areas where anti-corruption measures could be enhanced and refined.

Through its National Governance Planning Division, MACC coordinates the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Special Task Force, which brings together ministries, government agencies, academic institutions, businesses and civil society groups. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to pinpoint obstacles affecting Malaysia's performance on the index and develop targeted solutions to address them.

Malaysia's latest CPI results demonstrate tangible progress. The country's score climbed by two points from 50 to 52, while its global ranking improved from 57th to 54th position. François Valerian attributed such gains to a combination of robust preventive strategies and consistent enforcement measures. He emphasized that anti-corruption agencies require adequate funding, skilled personnel and insulation from political pressures to function effectively.

Valerian welcomed Malaysia's aspiration to achieve a position within the world's top 25 countries on the CPI rankings by 2030. Transparency International stands ready to assist anti-corruption bodies in their efforts to elevate national integrity standards and institutional performance across the region.